Selection basics, part 4 OR graphic novels

Graphic novels are hugely popular, especially with two disparate groups of readers, very able readers or struggling readers.  Consider the following rationale for graphic novels:

• Graphic novels may enable readers to process & comprehend material from a nontraditional format of text
• Graphic novels may promote visual literacy
• Graphic novels may be a bridge to literacy and reading development
• Graphic novels may give confidence and a positive reading experience to struggling and reluctant readers
• Graphic novels may be enjoyable and lead to independent reading

Our selection guidelines ask that librarians seek published, professional reviews if possible. Because of the proliferation of the genre, traditional reviews are not always available.

Publishers of manga often use a rating system.  While these do not take the place of reviews, we have opted to include these ratings in our guidelines as an attempt to establish some consistency in selection. 

If a favorable review isn't available, librarians may consider graphic novels with the following publisher ratings:

*E (everyone) or A (all ages) for elementary, middle school, and/or high school libraries
*Y (youth, ages 10+) and T (teens, ages 13+) for middle school and/or high school libraries
*T+ or OT (teens, ages 16+) for high school libraries
*M (mature, 18+) and AD (adult) do not follow selection guidelines and may not be purchased

For further reading, check out Jason Thompson's The Complete Guide to Manga.